Genesis 9:14
Genesis 9:14 in Multiple Translations
Whenever I form clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds,
And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:
And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud,
And whenever I make a cloud come over the earth, the bow will be seen in the cloud,
Whenever I make clouds form over the earth and the rainbow appears,
And when I shall couer the earth with a cloud, and the bowe shall be seene in the cloude,
and it hath come to pass (in My sending a cloud over the earth) that the bow hath been seen in the cloud,
When I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow will be seen in the cloud,
And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:
And when I shall cover the sky with clouds, my bow shall appear in the clouds:
When I cause rain to fall from the clouds, and a rainbow appears in the sky,
Sometimes I will send rain clouds into the sky, and there will be a rainbow in the clouds too.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 9:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 9:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָ֕ה
בְּ/עַֽנְנִ֥/י
עָנָ֖ן
עַל
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
וְ/נִרְאֲתָ֥ה
הַ/קֶּ֖שֶׁת
בֶּ/עָנָֽן
וְ/הָיָ֕ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
בְּ/עַֽנְנִ֥/י
ʻânan
H6049
to cloud
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
עָנָ֖ן
ʻânân
H6051
cloud
N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
וְ/נִרְאֲתָ֥ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Niphal-3fs
הַ/קֶּ֖שֶׁת
qesheth
H7198
bow
Art | N-fs
בֶּ/עָנָֽן
ʻânân
H6051
cloud
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 9:14
וְ/הָיָ֕ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְּ/עַֽנְנִ֥/י
ʻânan
H6049
"to cloud"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to acting covertly or practising magic, like soothsaying or augury, and is used to describe diviners or enchanters in the Bible.
Definition: (Piel) to make appear, produce, bring (clouds)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bring, enchanter, Meonemin, observe(-r of) times, soothsayer, sorcerer. See also: Genesis 9:14; 2 Kings 21:6; Isaiah 2:6.
עָנָ֖ן
ʻânân
H6051
"cloud"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a cloud or cloudy, and is used to describe the cloud that God uses to appear to his people. It appears in the Bible to describe God's presence, and is translated as cloud in the KJV.
Definition: 1) cloud, cloudy, cloud-mass 1a) cloud-mass (of theophanic cloud) 1b) cloud Aramaic equivalent: a.nan (עֲנָן "cloud" H6050)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: cloud(-y). See also: Genesis 9:13; Deuteronomy 1:33; Psalms 78:14.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וְ/נִרְאֲתָ֥ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Niphal-3fs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
הַ/קֶּ֖שֶׁת
qesheth
H7198
"bow"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for bow refers to a weapon used for hunting or battle, but also symbolizes strength and is used to describe a rainbow. In the Bible, it appears in Genesis and other books. It represents power and beauty.
Definition: 1) bow 1a) bow (for hunting, battle) 1b) bowmen, archers 1c) bow (fig. of might) 1d) rainbow
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] arch(-er), [phrase] arrow, bow(-man, -shot). See also: Genesis 9:13; Psalms 44:7; Psalms 7:13.
בֶּ/עָנָֽן
ʻânân
H6051
"cloud"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a cloud or cloudy, and is used to describe the cloud that God uses to appear to his people. It appears in the Bible to describe God's presence, and is translated as cloud in the KJV.
Definition: 1) cloud, cloudy, cloud-mass 1a) cloud-mass (of theophanic cloud) 1b) cloud Aramaic equivalent: a.nan (עֲנָן "cloud" H6050)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: cloud(-y). See also: Genesis 9:13; Deuteronomy 1:33; Psalms 78:14.
Study Notes — Genesis 9:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Covenant of the Rainbow
12And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between Me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come:
13I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.
14Whenever I form clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds,
15I will remember My covenant between Me and you and every living creature of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. 16And whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of every kind that is on the earth.”Genesis 9:14 Summary
Genesis 9:14 reminds us that when we see a rainbow, it's a sign of God's promise to never again destroy the earth with a flood. This promise is a reminder of God's love and faithfulness to us, just like His promise to always be with us (as seen in Matthew 28:20). The rainbow is a beautiful symbol of God's covenant with all living creatures, and it can bring us comfort and peace, knowing that God keeps His promises. As we look at the rainbow, we can remember God's faithfulness and love, and trust in His goodness, just as we're reminded in Psalm 100:5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the rainbow in Genesis 9:14?
The rainbow is a sign of God's covenant with humanity, reminding Him of His promise to never again destroy the earth with a flood, as stated in Genesis 9:15. This covenant is a reminder of God's faithfulness and love for His creation.
Does the appearance of a rainbow guarantee that God will not send judgment?
No, the rainbow is a reminder of God's covenant, but it does not guarantee that God will not send judgment. As seen in Genesis 6:5-8, God judges sin, and the rainbow is a reminder of His mercy and promise to preserve life on earth.
Is the rainbow a symbol of God's promise to individual believers?
While the rainbow is a symbol of God's covenant with all living creatures, individual believers can also find comfort in God's promises, such as in Jeremiah 31:3, where it says 'I have loved you with an everlasting love.'
How does the rainbow relate to God's character?
The rainbow reveals God's character as a faithful and loving God, who keeps His promises, as seen in Genesis 9:16. It also highlights His mercy and patience, as seen in 2 Peter 3:9, where it says God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish.
Reflection Questions
- What does the rainbow represent to you, and how can you apply its symbolism to your life?
- How does the promise of God's covenant, represented by the rainbow, bring you comfort and peace in times of uncertainty?
- In what ways can you reflect God's faithfulness and love, as represented by the rainbow, in your relationships with others?
- How can you use the reminder of the rainbow to trust in God's promises and provision in your life?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 9:14
And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth,.... Or "cloud a cloud" (u), cause the clouds to gather thick in the heavens, and to hang over the earth ready to pour down great
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 9:14
And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 9:14
Not always, but very frequently, which is sufficient for this purpose.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 9:14
Genesis 9:14 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:Ver. 14. The bow shall be seen in the cloud.] In this heaven-bow, there are many wonders: first, the beautiful shape and various colours; in which respect Plato thinks the poets feign Iris, or the rainbow, to be the daughter of Thaumas, or admiration. The waterish colours therein signify (say some) the former overthrow of the world by water. The fiery colours, the future judgment of the world by fire. The green, that present grace of freedom from both, by virtue of God’ s covenant, whereof this bow is a sign. Next, the rainbow hath in it two contrary significations, viz., of rain, and fair weather; of this in the evening, of that in the morning, saith Scaliger. Add hereunto, that whereas naturally it is a sign of rain (and is therefore feigned by the poets to be the messenger of Juno, and called imbrifera , or showery), yet it is turned by God into a sure sign of dry weather, and of restraint of waters. Let us learn to look upon it, not only in the natural causes, as it is an effect of the sun in a thick cloud; but as a sacramental sign of the covenant of grace; a monument of God’ s both justice in drowning the world, and mercy in conserving it from the like calamity. The Jews have an odd conceit, that the name Jehovah is written on the rainbow. And therefore, as oft as it appeareth unto them, they go forth of doors, hide their eyes, confess their sins (that deserved a second deluge), and celebrate God’ s goodness, in sparing the wicked world, and remembering his covenant.
Set aside their superstition, and their practice invites our imitation. Tam Dei meminisse opus est quam respirare . Maimon. Bern.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 9:14
14. that the bow shall be seen] This should be rendered “and the bow is seen.” The promise is not that the bow shall be seen whenever God sends clouds over the earth, but that, whenever He sends clouds and His bow is visible, then He will remember the covenant. It is possible that this beautiful employment of the rainbow symbol may be the adaptation of a still earlier semi-mythological conception, according to which the God of Israel is represented in poetry as a warrior armed with bow and arrow (the lightnings are His arrows, cf. Psalms 7:12-13; Habakkuk 3:9-11); when His anger had passed, He hung His bow in the clouds. The rainbow does not, however, appear frequently in the imagery of Jewish poetry. In Ezekiel 1:28, and in Revelation 4:3; Revelation 10:1, it is mentioned in connexion with the appearances of Divine glory. As a feature in nature, it is referred to in Sir 43:12; Sir 50:7.